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Saint Augustine’s University Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

The court process keeps classes running during a push to restructure debt.

Overview

  • Saint Augustine’s University, which filed for Chapter 11 on Monday in the Eastern District of North Carolina, says it will keep operating under court oversight and is drafting a reorganization plan.
  • Court filings list $100 million to $500 million in assets and $50 million to $100 million in debts, including $14.4 million to the IRS, about $7 million to other federal agencies such as Education, $1.6 million to North Carolina’s revenue department, and $3.3 million to American Trust Company.
  • The Board of Trustees said Chapter 11 offers a path to address the school’s finances and noted support from its primary lending partner, Self-Help Ventures Fund.
  • Interim president Dr. Jennie Ward-Robinson resigned, and the Board named Dr. Verganis Peoples to serve as interim leader.
  • Litigation over the university’s accreditation status ends May 15, and the school says some students may need to finish degrees at other accredited colleges, with teach-out agreements for those close to graduating.